Sox owner: Interviews for new manager may start next week

Red Sox owner John Henry, who missed last Friday’s news conference at Fenway Park about Terry Francona’s departure, posted a few manager-related thoughts on his Twitter account on Tuesday.

By BRIAN MacPHERSON | | Journal Sports Writer

Red Sox owner John Henry, who missed last Friday's newsconference at Fenway Park about Terry Francona's departure, posteda few manager-related thoughts on his Twitter account onTuesday.

Henry missed the news conference after falling on his yacht, theRed Sox said.

"Thanks to all the well-wishers," he wrote. "But it makes oneappreciate health. Rushing downstairs is dangerous for an oldguy."

Despite inquiries from several reporters, Henry did not addressreports that the Chicago Cubs had requested permission to speak togeneral manager Theo Epstein about a position in theirorganization. Henry did, however, make clear that the search forthe manager who will replace Francona is well under way.

"Another productive day this week at Fenway," Henry wrote. "Tom(Werner), Larry (Lucchino) and I were briefed by Theo and Ben(Cherington) on the managerial search. Due diligence this week.

"Calls and maybe interviews next week. Excited to once againbring in smart, creative, hands-on leadership. We have the rightpeople looking.